Rohan Chowdhury in Leeds
The aroma of Pimm’s and beer lingered through the corridors of Headingley Stadium as we stepped out for the lunch show.
It’s a packed house here in Leeds as India approaches tea in the first Test of the series against England. The crowd is soaking in the Friday afternoon, with the sun playing along pleasantly — unlike yesterday, which was scorching.
The weather has been delightful since morning, with a gentle breeze throughout — ideal conditions for a good day of Test cricket.
Leeds has turned out in numbers, and the ground with a capacity of 20,000 is buzzing with a harmony that’s music to the ears.
Since morning, vendors have lined up outside the stadium selling Indian flags and jerseys, alongside England caps and scarves — painting a colourful scene of shared passion and friendly rivalry.
There’s a noticeable buzz around the Indian youngsters too, with considerable excitement even among the English crowd. Several local fans were seen gathering to catch a glimpse or a snap with the rising Indian stars. One young English boy stood out, donning an India jersey, eagerly waiting by the entry gate for a chance to get it signed by the players.
The crowd is clearly enjoying the cricket. The Indian opening pair gave them plenty to cheer about — perhaps India’s best opening stand overseas in recent memory. England fans, too, had their moments, especially with those two quick wickets right before lunch.
Multiple food stalls — serving Indian, British, and Afghan cuisine — dot the periphery, along with the ever-popular Pimm’s counters. Prices don’t seem to be a concern, as fans queue up enthusiastically for a bite or a drink.
A good 8 to 10 pounds would be enough to enjoy a good meal. Official jersey and merchandise stalls are also showcasing some good stuff — official England caps at GBP 10, while stock clearance jerseys at 25. However, the recent jersey is a bit expensive at 60-75 quid.
With Day 2 and Day 3 falling over the weekend, the stands promise a similar — if not more electric — spectacle in the days to come.
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